“It’s a privilege to be involved…” – hear from our new President Ged Mason

We’re pleased that Ged Mason OBE is Seashell’s new President.

While Ged and his family have been avid supporters of our charity for a number of years, this new role means Ged will be even more embedded into Seashell’s work and future, acting as an ambassador for the charity, advocating for Seashell with key stakeholders and supporters and representing and promoting our work, vision and values.

Ged and his late father Gerry started supporting Seashell more than 15 years ago. As CEO of The Morson Group, Ged paved the way for our student employability pathway and was the first person to offer work experience to a Seashell student. They also raised funds for a minibus and donated a bicycle to a former student too. Since then, the family and Morson have made significant contributions to Seashell’s work. Milestones for the family include Gerry Mason House in our residential facilities, the Margaret Mason Hall in our school building and the new college building will be named the Ged Mason Building – all to recognise and honour the family’s support of Seashell.

More recently, Ged spoke as President at The Club’s latest meeting, where Seashell was announced as it’s Charity of the Year. The organisation is a private members club which curates networking opportunities through exclusive events.

Ged told the crowd at The Club: “At Morson it was in our values and core of the business that it wasn’t about how much we could make, it was about how much we could give back. We were lucky that we’d put the graft in and the business was being successful, so it was time to reinvest.

“So we set up a committee and in 2010 the employees and my colleagues chose Seashell. And this charity really is a hidden gem. It’s hidden because people often don’t really know a lot about it and it’s a gem of a place because of the students and staff there.

“As soon as I went through those gates with my father I was just amazed at this place. Why did I not know about this?

“Those of you with children, all you want is for them to have the best start in life. And unfortunately that doesn’t always happen. And therefore the next best thing is ‘I want the best for my child, whatever that is’. And it usually starts at your house and your schooling. And there aren’t that many places around that can cater for these special students and children that go to Seashell.

“Surprisingly, Seashell is not funded by the Government. After the education fees from the Local Authorities, every penny of the money raised goes towards helping these students live their best lives.

“You can help with a donation yes, but you can also help by donating your time, learning more about this amazing charity and just spreading the good word about this hidden gem.”

The President role is an honorary position to recognise someone who has made significant contributions to the work of Seashell in supporting children and young adults with complex disabilities and has status in this arena.

It’s important the person is a figurehead for the charity, who is passionate and knowledgeable about Seashell and can bring credibility to our organisation – all things we knew Ged was already doing.

Commenting on the President role, Ged said: “It is a privilege to be involved and assist in the fundraising and promotion of Seashell.

“To support this wonderful and vitally important school, college and care services means Seashell can provide the very best for all their students and they can have access to the learning, care and facilities they are so deserving of.

“I’m so pleased to be able to support these very special students and staff – they are the gems in this hidden gem of the North West.”

Read More:

Learn more about the President and other leadership teams at Seashell Click here

Steel Beam signing event – September 2024 Click here

Project Transformation – take a tour around the Ged Mason Building construction Click here